Black Moon Will Darken the Night Skies on August 23: Rare Lunar Event

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The August 23 Black Moon is considered seasonal, being the third of four new moons in summer 2025. The last seasonal Black Moon occurred on May 19, 2023, and the next won’t happen again for nearly three years.

 

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When to Expect the Black Moon

At exactly 2:06 a.m. EDT (06:06 GMT) on August 23 — or 11:06 p.m. PDT on August 22 — the moon will align in the constellation Leo, positioned just one degree north of the sun. Since the moon’s sunlit side will be turned away from Earth, it will be completely invisible.

Unlike a supermoon or lunar eclipse, a Black Moon isn’t a visible spectacle. Instead, its main effect is to create the darkest skies of the lunar cycle, making it the best opportunity for stargazing and observing the Milky Way.

Why the Black Moon Matters

For those who feel underwhelmed by an “invisible” moon, the nights immediately following the Black Moon will offer a reward. On August 24 and 25, a thin silver crescent will reappear on the western horizon about 30–40 minutes after sunset. This delicate sight marks the moon’s return after its brief disappearance.